Squeezing More Juice From Concentrating Solar Thermal
Australia and other nations rich in solar resources should invest in concentrating solar thermal (CST), a key low-carbon technology.Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recently announced plans to build the world’s largest solar energy project.

Previously, the Rudd Government announced it would invest nearly US $3.5 billion in a Clean Energy Initiative to support the growth of clean energy generation technologies, reduce CO2 emissions, and stimulate economic activity. Under this initiative, the Rudd Government is investing US $1.2 billion in solar technologies, including US $1.1 billion in the new Solar Flagships program. The tender specifications will be announced later in 2009 and the successful bids in 2010, but based on Rudd’s outline, the Program will develop up to four solar generation plants for 1GW of generating capacity—three times the capacity of the largest operating solar project in the world. The projects can use solar photovoltaic or concentrating solar thermal power (CST).CST uses reflective material to concentrate the sun’s rays to power steam turbines or engines. When combined with thermal storage—which enables a plant to produce power under cloud cover and after the sun has set—CST can generate electricity on demand, not just when the sun is shining.Given Australia’s solar resources, the announcement of the Flagships program is an important step toward meeting Australia’s 20% by 2020 renewable energy